NEW DELHI, May 9: Altogether 1,446 Kashmiri migrants have accepted employment under the Prime Minister’s special rehabilitation package for the community and are living in the Valley.
Minister of State for Home Jitendra Singh said under the package, announced in 2008 to ensure rehabilitation of those who had left the Kashmir Valley at the peak of militancy, the Jammu and Kashmir government has created 3,000 posts and appointment orders have been issued to 2,169 candidates and 1,446 of them have joined their posts in the Valley.
“The Prime Minister’s package provides for employment opportunities to 6,000 unemployed migrant youths in the state government…Another 9,000 unemployed migrant youths are proposed to be facilitated to get financial assistance for self employment/ business ventures. The response to which is very poor,” he told Rajya Sabha today.
The package provides for housing, transit accommodation, continuance of cash relief, students’ scholarship, employment, financial assistance to agriculturists and horticulturists and waiver of interest loans, Singh said. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, May 9: The Government today said it is keeping a close watch on all activities taking place in China and Pakistan and the threat perception originating from such incidents are reviewed regularly.
In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Defence Minister A K Antony said, “Government is closely watching all activities of China and Pakistan in the neighbourhood and reviews the threat perception regularly.”
He also said measures such as construction of railway lines, roads and airfields have been undertaken in border areas to augment security preparedness of the defence forces.
“Required measures have been initiated through development of infrastructure including rail, roads and forward air fields as well as operational capabilities to achieve desired defence preparedness,” Antony said.
China disputes the International Boundary with India as there is no common delineated Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the two country, he said.
“There are few areas along the border where India and China have different perceptions of LAC including territory in Arunachal Pradesh. Both sides patrol up to their respective perceptions of LAC due to perceived differences in its alignment,” the Defence Minister informed the House.
He said the areas along the LAC are kept under constant surveillance by regular patrolling by troops and other means.
“Specific incidents of transgression due to differences in perception of LAC are taken up with the Chinese side through established mechanism such as hot lines, flag meetings, border personnel meeting and normal diplomatic channels,” Antony said.
Replying to questions on effect of Chinese presence in South-China sea and Indian Ocean Region, he said government is aware of its participation in IOR in development projects such as ports, anti-piracy operations and deep sea mining.
“China has been staking claim to most of the South-China sea and has disputes with its neighbours on control of Paracel and Spratly islands for determination of Exclusive Economic Zone of the littoral states,” Antony said. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, May 9: Government has frozen accounts of 30 NGOs and banned 70 other voluntary organisations from receiving foreign contribution following allegation of violation of laws.
Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran told Rajya Sabha that 24 such cases have been referred to CBI while seven other cases have been given to state police for investigation.
“Accounts of 30 NGOs have been frozen, 35 NGOs have been placed in prior permission category and 70 NGOs have been prohibited from receiving foreign contribution,” he said.
The Minister said a total of Rs 9,946.91 crore was received as foreign contribution by various Non-Governmental Organisations in 2007-08 and Rs 10,993.56 crore was received as foreign contribution by the NGOs in 2008-09.
Rs 10,352.07 crore was received by various NGOs as foreign contribution during 2009-10, he said. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, May 9:Voicing concern over problems faced by minority Hindus in Pakistan, India today reminded Islamabad of its responsibility to discharge its Constitutional obligations towards its citizens.
“It is the responsibility of the Government of Pakistan to discharge its constitutional obligations towards its citizens, including those from the minority community,” External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said in the Lok Sabha.
He was responding to the issue of treatment of minorities in Pakistan raised by BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi last week.
Krishna said India had taken up “appropriately” with the Pakistani authorities the issue of abduction, forceful marriage and conversion to Islam of three Hindu girls in Sindh province of Pakistan.
“The Government of Pakistan stated that it was fully cognisant of the situation and looked after the welfare of all its citizens, particularly the minority community,” he said.
Krishna also referred to press release issued by the Government of Pakistan stating that the Pakistan President had taken serious note of the reports of kidnapping of a Hindu girl from Mirpur Mathelo in Sindh and allegedly being forced by some influential people of the area to convert.
The release had said the Pakistan President had called for a report from the provincial government.
“The President also called for transparent and expeditious investigations in the matter and to take action in accordance with the law regardless of the influence and status of anyone involved in criminal activity,” Krishna said quoting the Pakistan government release. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, May 9: Over 800 posts at different levels are lying vacant in the country’s premier investigating agency, CBI, the Government said today.
Of the total of 838 vacancies, a highest of 609 are of executive cadre following 60 in legal, 40 in technical, 102 in ministerial and 27 canteen posts, Minister of State for Personnel and Public Grievances V Narayanasamy told Lok Sabha in a written reply.
The sanctioned strength of the CBI is 6,591.
“The occurrence and filling up of vacancies are continuous processes. Despite some vacancies in the CBI, speedy investigation of various cases is ensured through effective use and deployment of existing personnel,” the Minister said.
He said the Central Government has approved a scheme for engagement of Special Prosecutors and Assistant Special prosecutors on contract basis. “Till date, 43 Special prosecutors or Assistant Special prosecutors have been engaged on contract basis,” Narayanasamy added.
He said the Government was taking various steps to fill the vacancies and all central police organisations as well as State Police have been requested to send nomination of officers for deputation in CBI. (PTI)
HYDERABAD, May 9:The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is considering a proposal to recommend recognition of the famous Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati as a monument of national importance in view of its archaeological, epigraphical and historical background and cultural significance.
The proposal is being considered by the ASI and it is likely to make the recommendation to the Union Ministry of Culture, K K Sharma, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist of ASI, told.
He, however, said a timeframe cannot be put on when the proposal is likely to be made formally to the government as the process takes time.
Declaring the ancient temple, located atop the Tirumala hills, as a protected monument by the ASI would go a long way in conserving its archaeological value and heritage, Sharma said.
The matter could be expedited if the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), the governing body for the temple, agrees to the proposal for making the temple as a protected monument, he observed.
The ASI feels that dismantling of the historical thousand pillar mantapam at Tirumala and the gold-plating of the outer walls of the ‘garbha griha’, where inscriptions exist, as per the ‘Ananta Swarnamayam’ scheme are against archaeological norms.
Separately, the ASI, in an RTI reply to B K S R Ayyangar, a social activist based at Eluru in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, has favoured several steps to ensure the temple’s protection.
The petitioner had sought information over action initiated by the ASI regarding recognition of Lord Venkateswara Temple as a monument under ASI.
In the reply, the ASI said the temple may be considered for protection by ASI as a monument of national importance and also talked about dismantling of the thousand pillared mantapam as a violation.
Further, it favoured that any activity at the temple which is related to the archaeological aspect be informed to the Archaeological Survey of India and Department of Archaeology and Museums, Andhra Pradesh to review the pros and cons as well the archaeological norms thoroughly and recommend the necessary inputs for execution.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) may provide a space for archaeology by nominating the Director General or representative of ASI and Department of Archaeology and Museums as a member in the Trust Board which takes policy decisions for the benefit of devotees and the temple to prevent any action violating archaeological/heritage norms at the policy level itself, the ASI said.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam may provide the fund for protecting cultural heritage and monuments which are in need of attention, it said.
Observing that the temple is visited by about 50,000 devotees per day on an average and about four lakhs during festivities, the ASI commended the way TTD is dealing with all aspects of the temple administration.
It is necessary to have an archaeological wing to review and recommend suitable procedure in view of archaeological norms wherever necessary, ASI said.
“The archaeological wing is to be adequately equipped with technical team headed by a Director. The decision for betterment of the facilities for the devotees are to be reviewed there only to avoid delay. Since, a museum also exists behind the main temple all branches are to be brought under the archaeological wing. This may solve the problem of violating the laws to some extent,” it said. (PTI)
A Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura (Consultative Council) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh interacting with Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad, in New Delhi on Wednesday.
NEW DELHI, May 9:
Keen to get Indian pharmaceutical products, a Saudi Parliamentary delegation here today met Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.
‘A Parliamentary delegation led by Dr Abdullah Bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura (Consultative Council) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called on the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister,’ an official statement said.
The delegation is on a three-day official visit to India.
Recalling the close relations reflecting centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia Mr Azad said, ‘There has been an upsurge in Indian investments in the Kingdom, especially after the signing of the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement during the earlier visit of King Abdullah to India in January 2006.’
The signing of Riyadh declaration also during the February 2010 visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh further laid the groundwork for new era of strategic partnership between the two countries, the Minister said.
Talking of issues pertaining to health sector, Mr Azad shared the Indian experience in the areas of innovations in healthcare service delivery, interventions in making healthcare accessible and equitable and strength in producing good quality generic drugs at affordable prices.
The Minister also suggested that India could help Saudi Arabia with the knowhow of setting up medical colleges as also with medicine supplies.
He told that India is the fourth largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the world in terms of volume and 13th largest in terms of value.
‘Indian pharmaceutical products are exported to about 211 countries around the world and have been acknowledged at many a UN forum for their good quality, safety and efficacy,’ he added.
Mr Azad particularly appreciated the excellent arrangements put in place by Saudi Arabia for the comfort of Haj pilgrims.
The leader of the Saudi delegation said they would welcome help from India for transfer of medical technology and also help with medical education as India possesses the technical capacity.
He said bilateral visits not only help enhance understanding between the two countries but also help highlight areas of possible cooperation.
The delegation informed that currently the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia imports about five billion dollar worth of pharmaceuticals.
Considering Indian pharma companies are among the world leaders, Dr Abdullah Bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim said they would be keen to extend the incentives given by their Government to Indian pharma industry to set up base in Saudi Arabia with the objective of producing affordable medicines to meet local and regional needs. (UNI)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: Goods worth over Rs 2.5 crore belonging to nine firms dealing with cross LoC trade were completely destroyed in a devastating fire at Narwal Fruit and Vegetable Mandi here last night.
The mysterious fire which broke out at around 9 pm last night, engulfed the entire steel shed measuring nearly 200 ft x 80 ft within 15 to 20 minutes, located in IInd Phase of the Mandi. Majority of the goods dumped there were dry chillies and black Ilachi (Motti). Onion bags were also dumped at the extreme north end of the shed besides packing material including empty boxes.
The traders/ firms who lost their goods in fire include- M/S R R Traders, M/S Friends Sales, M/S Rupinder Singh & Co, M/S Anil Trading Co, M/S JP Trading Corp, M/S Rajinder Vaid , M/S JK Traders, M/S Som Nath Ravi Kumar and M/S Kartar Singh & Co. The loss of property was put at around Rs 2.5 crore by these firms.
Rajesh Gupta, President Jammu Fruit Traders Association disclosed that goods belonged to nine firms which deal with cross LoC trade via Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch. As the trade was suspended for the last nearly 15 days, the traders were bound to dump there goods at Narwal Mandi here. He said even some goods were lying in the open and covered with large Tirpols/Poly sheets. The fire started from right corner and soon it spread to the entire shed. Dry chilli being highly inflammable, took no time in catching fire.
Mr Gupta said entire market people rushed to the spot and informed Fire control room. Two tenders from Gandhi Nagar Station reached shortly but it was not possible for the two vehicles to contain it. Then more vehicles were summoned but it took about half and hour and even hour more to reach from Gangyal, Canal, City and Roopnagar Fire Stations. By that time entire goods had been engulfed in fire. He said Director Fire Service R S Sodi was himself supervising the operation and even the police had also reached there but the men from Fire and Emergency services failed to save the goods.
Senior Vice President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sham Lal Langar who is also executive members of Narwal Vegetable/ Fruit Mandi Association, disclosed that as shed was open from all the sides, due to flow of wind from all the sides the fire spread immediately. He said due to late arrival of other Fire Tenders from City, Gangal and Canal Stations, the goods could not be saved. He however, maintained that senior officers from Gandhi Nagar Station including Mr Sodhi reached there immediately and stayed till mid night, supervising operation.
Mr Langar said there was strong resentment among the traders dealing with PoK counterparts via Poonch. Their goods remained dumped here due to abrupt stoppage of trade. They were not given any prior notice. The goods which they had booked at different stations in the country, kept on arriving here and got accumulated for over two weeks. He pointed out that up to the limit of 25 trucks only the goods are allowed to be sent on that side but from Uri side even up to 50 trucks are allowed. Similarly, pine apple and `Apple Murabba’ which was not allowed by the Customs authorities via Chakkan-da-Bagh was allowed via Uri-route, which is unfortunate and discriminatory.
He pointed out that even 21 trucks of chillies were returned yesterday by the PoK traders at Poonch on the plea that Indian side has banned sending banana and mango. It was also stopped abruptly and traders had procured it from outside in huge quantity. There are no sufficient go downs to stock goods here. He demanded that traders be provided compensation by the Government.
Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Horticulture Sham Lal, accompanied by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Pardeep Gupta and Director Horticulture visited the site at Narwal Mandi today. Chamber team led by its president Y V Sharma and members of Narwal Fruit and Vegetable Mandi Association were also there besides the traders who suffered losses. Y V Sharma, demanded that merchants dealing with cross LOC trade were instrumental in strengthening CBMs between two countries. They should be compensated adequately, he said.
The Minister assured that he will keep this plea in tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting in Srinagar and if the suggestion got enough support, the Government will try to provide compensation. He however, said that amount of damage was large but Government will try to give due consideration.
A senior officer from Fire Services said that immediate cause of fire could not be known but earlier, it was indicated some short circuit created sparks and it caught fire. He said goods were dry and fire took no time in spreading. He said it was not assessed immediately that such a devastating fire had taken place there. A total ten tenders and over sixty men were pressed into service. Even today, the smoke was coming out of the heaps of burnt chillies and onions when the team visited the site.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: Various deputations and individuals today called on Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand at Civil Secretariat and projected the demands of their respective areas.
A deputation led by Rajesh Kesari, leader Shiv Sena Hindustan demanded beautification and development of Manda track for convenience of the morning walkers and families visiting with their children to watch the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Vinod Sharma, General Secretary PCC, who was leading another deputation demanded further improvement in the sanitation services, particularly in the peripheral wards.
Mr. Tara Chand gave patient hearing to the demands of visiting deputations and issued on the spot directions for the early redressal of the same.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR May 9: KAS Probationers of 2011 batch, presently undergoing training at J&K IMPA called on Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon today, wherein they discussed a wide range of issues.
While interacting, Dr Samoon asked the young officers that they should be open to positive suggestions, consider innovative solutions and that the role of officers should be to redress the grievances of the general public.
He urged the officers to be humane in their approach and take swift decisions for the betterment of the society. In matters related to restoration of law and order, he said that it has to be borne in mind that rules are made to help people, as such all necessary measures must be taken to ensure that peace and tranquility is ensured.
Dr Samoon asked them to maintain cordial relations with everyone, especially print and electronic media. He encouraged the officers to gain adequate disaster preparedness skills, so that they can take necessary preventive measures, as well as swiftly respond in case of any calamity. Div Com also satisfactorily answered various questions and queries raised by the KAS officers.
The KAS officers were led by their Course Directors Dr Sunita Zalpuri, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Khan and Dr Mohammed Pervaz. The 28 KAS officers hail from Jammu Division as well as Kashmir Division and comprised of Javaid Ahmed, Qummerul Zamaan, Sheikh Enayatulla, Naveed Hussain, Shafiq Ahmad, Arshad H Ganai, Bashir Ahmed Bhat, Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Ch. Mohammed Nawaz, Abdul Majeed Rather, Jaliel Ahmed Mir, Dr Ashwani Hansa, Er Samrinder Singh, Dr Nazir Ahmed Bhat, Dr. Iqbal H. Mir, Dr S. Salahuddin, Dr Mudasirah, Dr Suraya Ahmed, Jigmet Rafta, Qaiser Mehmood, Deep Novel Koul, Ashu Kumari, Arti, Diksha Bamaba, Saima Sharief Khan, Mohammed Imran Naik, Imtiaz, Chander Shekhar Sharma.
